Centrifugal casting method and apparatus



March 5, 1935. w. B. FLOYD Er AL 1,993,655

I CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5, 1933 l2 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 5, 1935. w, lB, FL'QYD Er AL I 1,993,655

CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed My 5, 1933 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 5, 1935. w. B. FLOYD Er AL l CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May l55, 1933 l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 f OQ March 5, 1935. I w, B. FLOYD ET AL l CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5, 1953 l2 Sheets-Sheet 6 l March '5, 1935. w. B. FLoYD .l-:r Al.. 1,993,655

CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5', 1935 12 sheets-sheet 'r March 5l, 1935.

w. B. FLOYD E r AL CENTRTFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5, 1953 l2 Sheets-Sheet 8 w. B. FLOYD ET AL 1,993,655

CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS n March 5, A1935.

Filed Mays, 193s 12 sheets-sheet 9 March 5, 1935. w. B.' FLOYD Er AL CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed May 5, 1933 March 5, 1935. w. B. FLOYD ET AL CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5, `19:53 12 gpets-speet 11 AMau'h 5, 1935. w. B. FLOYD ET AL ,A 1,993,655

CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May 5,11955 12 'sheets-sheet 12A Patented 5,1935 u y UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l CENTRIFUGAL CASTING METHOD AND APPARATUS Walter B.l Floyd and Glenn E. Edmunds, Columbus, Ohio, assignors to The Bonney-Floyd gtlilrinpany, Columbus, Ohio, a corporation of Application May-5, 19.33, serial No. 669,612 35 Claims. (Cl. 22-209) This invention relates'to methods and apparashort lengths'or shots of chain by centrifugal tus for centrifugally casting articles. More parcasting, and, in some cases, to produce at the ticularly, it relates to` methods and apparatus for same time, interconnecting links for the diierent centrifugally casting chain links, although cershots, and to produce, in one casting operation,

tain features of the -invention have great usefulan unusually long stretch vof interlocking chain 5 ness in casting many other articles, such, for inlinks. n v stance, as bars, ingots, blooms, and valve bodies. It is a further object of the invention to join It is an object of the present invention to protogether by a centrifugal casting, operation, a pluvide a method of, and apparatus for, centrifurality of previously centrifugally cast shots` of gally casting a plurality of articles, which articles chain. v 1 10 will have greatly improved characteristics as to The invention comprises generic features of uniformity, density of material, and freedom from both method and apparatus, and a plurality of flaws. specifically vdiilerent methods and apparatus, for

A generic feature of the invention consists in accomplishing the abOVe and Other ObjeCS- In providing a. plurality yof article molding cavities the drawings, a number of embodiments of ap- 15 which are mounted for revolution about a vertiparatus capable of performing `the method of cal axis, and which are filled with molten metal the present invention are disclosed', but it must under the influence of centrifugal force, and be understood that the drawings are illustrative in which the metal is maintained under the inonly, and the invention is in no sense limited to fluence of centrifugal force until it has at least the details thereof. Many changes in method, 20 partially cooled and has solidied. Thus, in each y and modifications of apparatus, will readily occavity a uniformly dense, compact casting is procur to one skilled in the art after a. consideration duced. of the principles set forth herein, and-al1 such Certain features of the invention will be ady changes-as fall within the scope of the appended vantageous in the centrifugal lcasting of circular claims, or their equivalents, are within the pres- 25 blooms, and the like. It will be apparent that, in ent invention. such a case, a continuous, annular mold cavity In the drawings, will be used instead of a plurality of separate, Figure 1 is a top plan view, partly in horizontal circumferentially aligned mold cavities. section, showing an apparatus for centrifugally Itis a further object of the invention to comcasting a shot of interlocking chain links. 30 pensate for cooling shrinkage of the metal in Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on each of the article forming cavities by the admisline 2-2 of Figure 1.

sion thereto of additional metal under the in- Figure 3 isan outer face view of a radially iniiuence of centrifugal force, from a reservoir adner pair of mold cores of Figures 1 and 2.` jacent thereto-and containing an adequate sup- Figure .4is an isometric view 'of' the cores of 35 ply of such additional metal. Y Figure 3, separated along the horizontal parting It is a further object of the invention to equalline, 3 ize the pressure 'of centrifugal force in all of the Figure 5 is top plan view of the lower core of cavities by establishing free communication from Figure 3. 4U one to another, through an annular passage or Figure 6 is an inner face view of an outer-pair 40 reservoir located adjacent to each, sothat uniof cores disclosed in Figures 1 and 2. formly dense castings are produced in all of the Figure 7 is an isometric sview of the cores oi' cavities. I Figure 6, separated along the horizontal parting uIt is an object of the invention to cast centrifline. 4f ugally individual, independent chain links', each Figure 8 is a top plan view of the lower core of 45 of which will be-characterlzed by greater strength Figures 6 and '7. and vvdensity of materialthan is possible with con- -Figure 9 is a fragmentary horizontal/,sectional ventional chain linkcasting methods. view of an apparatus similar tokFlgure 1, but 1 It is a. further object of the invention to proadapted to centrifugally cast a plurality of chain duce simultaneously a plurality of interlocking links in interlocking relation to a plurality o1 pre- 5 chain` links by a centrifugal casting procesa. cast chain'links. L thereby attaining the inherent advantages of Figure 10 is an'outer face view of thednner centrifugal casting in the art of chain making. pair of cores used in the device of Figure 9. l

It is a further object of the invention to simul- Figure 11 is a horizontal sectional view, taken z taneously produce a plurality 0f independent substantially' between the 'cope and drag secy Figure 12 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of another formof apparatus for centrifugally casting a plurality of interlocking links to form a shot of chain.

Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary top plan view of a lower, outer mold section of Figures 12 and 13.

Figure 15 is an inner face view of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary top plan view of a lower inner mold section of Figures 12 and 13.

Figures 17 is an outer face view of the mold of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top plan view, with the cover plate removed, ofanother form of. apparatus for centrifugally casting a plurality of interlocking chain links.

Figure 19 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 19-19 of Figurey 18.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of an outer pair of mold sections used in the apparatus of Figures 18 and 19.

Figure 21 is an inner face view of sections shown in Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 22-22 of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a top plan view of a different form of apparatus for centrifugally casting a plurality of interconnected chain links.

Figure 24 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 24-24 of Figure 23.

Figure 25 is a plan view of the upper suriaceof a lower outer mold section or core which ma be used with this form of apparatus.

Figure 26 is an inner vertical face view of an outer pair of mold sections.

Figure 27 isa sectional view taken on line 27-27 oi' Figure 26.

Figure 28 is a fragmentary plan view, with the cover plate removed, of an apparatus generally similai` to that disclosed in Figure 23 but having a different arrangement of mold sections or cores.

Figure 29 is a vertical sectional view of Figure 28.

Figure 30 is an isometric view showing one set of mold cores, the individual elements of which are spaced apart to show their details.

Figure 31 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view, taken on the parting line between the cope and drag mold sections, of an apparatus for joining by centrifugal casting' a plurality of precast shots of chain. 55'

Figure 32 is a vertical axial sectional view of the complete apparatus of Figure 31.

Figure 33 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of an apparatus for simultaneously castin'g a plurality of shots ofA chain in tiers.

Figure 34 is a plan view ofthe top of one of the lower inner mold sections which'is used in Figure 24.

Figure 35 is an outer vertical face view of an inner pair of mold sections used in Figure 24.

vFigure 36, is a sectional view taken on line A 36--36 or Figure 35.

'IISY Figure 371s a diagrammatic elevational view of a preferred relation of link mold cavities arranged in tiers, and showing a manner in which .the shots of chain may be interconnected from tier to tier. y

Figure 38 is a fragmentary plan view' of another form of apparatus adapted to centrifugally cast in a single operation a plurality, of shots of chain in tiers, with a link interconnecting the end link of one tier with a correspondingend link of the tier thereabove, in accordancewith the general arrangement of Figure 37.

Figure 39 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 38 taken on a line staggered somewhat from tier to tier, substantially' as shown by line 39-39 of Figure 37.

Figure 40 is. a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the assembled mold sections of Figure 38, showing the vertically disposed link cavity connecting the uppermost tier of link cavities with the tier immediately therebelow..

Figure 41 is a'view similar to Figure 40 but showing the vertically disposed link cavity connecting an end link of the lowermost tier with a corresponding link cavity of the tier thereabove.

Figure 42 is a top plan view, with the cover plate removed; of another form of apparatus for centrifugally casting, in one operation, a plurality of independent shots of chains in tiers.

Figure 43 is a vertical sectional view on line n 43--43 of Figure 42.

Figure 44 is a plan view of an inner pair of mold sections which may be used in the apparatus ofFigure 42.

Figure 45 is a vertical outer face view of the mold sections of Figure 44. y

Figure 46 is a vertical sectional .view of the same molds.

Figure- 47 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on line 47-47 of Figure 42. y

Figure 48 is a fragmentary plan View of an apparatus adapted to centrifugally cast simultaneously a plurality of individual, interconnected chain links in mold cavities disposed in tiers and in concentric rows.

Figure 49 is a vertical axial sectional view of the apparatus oi Figure 48.

Figure 50 is a plan view, partly in section, of an apparatus for centrifugally casting a plurality of objects other than chain links, such as valve bodies.

Figure 51 is a vertical axial sectional view of Figure 50, taken on line 51-51 thereof.

Figure .52 is an isometric view of acore which may bensed with the apparatus of Figure .Nitot` -trappinglof air or gas in the mold. Another serious defect of such cast chains is the unstable condition of the metal, resulting from stresses and stains set up by cooling shrinkage of the metal inthe casting molds. Since the molten metal in a stationary,V mold cools and solidines from the outside, inwardly, contracting forces are set up, and it has always been a problem to supply additional metal to relieve these forces and to compensate for the shrinkingtendency at the interior of the cast body. In the casting of chain. these defects have been particularly noticeable because of the relatively small cross-sectional area of the link forming mold cavities with respect to their linear extent, and also because the iinishe'd product must be made so as to withstand extreme tensional strains. l

The present invention entirelyovercomes the defects of prior art conventional methods of chain casting because, by maintaining the molten metal in the mold cavities under the influence of shrinkage forces are compensated for in the present invention by supplying additional metal to the mold cavities under the influence of centrifugal force, during cooling of the castings.

, A number of specz'c forms of apparatus are disclosed in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustrating a plurality of ways in which the method of the present invention may be prac-` ticed. Although the forms differ specifically, they will have certain generic features in common.

Referring to Figures 1 to 8, inclusive, an apparatus is disclosed for centrifugally casting a plurality of chain links in interlocked relation. A substantially circular table 10 is mounted upon the upper end of a post 11 for rotation about a vertical axis by any appropriate driving means, such as a ring and pinion gear connection to driv- -ing shaft l2. Upon the upper surface of the table 10, there is secured a plate 14, a cylindrical casingV 15, and a cover plate 16secured together by bolts 17,v or the like. These parts comprise a cylindrical flask mounted for rotation upon a vertical axis.

Within the flask are a plurality of mold Aand core sections having surfaces shaped to forma plurality of vertically and horizontally disposed link\cavities in interlocking relation, a radially disposed gate for each cavity, 'an annular molten metal reservoir connected to the gates, a pluralityl of runners leading inwardly from the reservoir, and an axial pouring basin at the innergends of the runners.

A drag mold section'18 is supported upon the bottom plate 14 of the flask, and has grooves vor depressions formed therein adapted to cooperate with other surfaces of the cope section 19 to form certain of the above mentioned passages. These grooves and surfaces are formed in the usual manner of making cope and drag mold sections by means of preformed patterns. -Av

central pouring basin 20 is formed primarily in the cope section, but has its bottom in the drag. The runners 21, ring reservoir 22, andthe inner ends of .the gates 23 are formed by`matlng depressions in the cope and drag sections.

A plurality of sets offour-part link forming molds or cores are placed in appropriate recesses in the copeand drag sections. Preferably, the cores are placed upon the drag in assembled re,-

-lation, and the cope then lowered into place.

Each setof moldsectionsis.substantially identical to the next, and consequently, a description of one set will suice.

Referring to Figures 3- to 5, the radially inner pair of cores 25, '26 have their vertical outer faces provided with grooves which are shaped to form one-half of a vertical link cavity 27, including a cross stud forming cavity 28. 'I'he horizontal 1 meeting surfaces bf these core members are `prol vided with grooves or depressions shaped to form ktwo substantially 4 one-quarter, horizontal link cavities 29. Between the depressions l29 and ex` tending transversely of the mold sections,' other grooves 30 are formed, for the purpose of cooperating with certain of the gates 23 vto feed metal to the cross stud' forming cavity 2 8 and thence to the vertical link cavities. 4 .y

'I'he outer pair of 4core sections 'is similar in many respects to the inner pair: Referring to V Figures Y6 to- 8. it will bev seen that the vertical inner face of, each of these members is provided with depressionsZ'I 'adaptedto cooperate with the depressions 27 to complete the vertical link forming cavity, and with grooves 28 which, when associated with the corresponding surfaces of the inner sections, form the cross 'stud for the vertical link.

The horizontal meeting surfaces of the outer pair of cores are provided with grooves 29 which cooperate with the grooves 23, to form substantially one-half of a pair of horizontal link forming cavities. Ihe cross studs for the horizontally disposed links are formed by the surfaces 31, 31', respectively, at thegends of the inner and outer pairs of cores.

Since the horizontal. link forming cavities are not 'complete in the core sections, it is necessary to formv the surfaces of the cope and drag mold sections adjacent to the cores with depressions v cope section placed in proper relation, and the parts firmly clamped togetherby. the bolts 1'7,` the `apparatus is ready for operation. The table 10 may be rotated,` and a measured amount of molten metal poured into the basin 20, or a sufficient amount of metallmay bie poured before rotation is started. In any event, the metal will flow frorr'f the basin outwardly through the run'- ners 21 where it will completely fill the annular reservoir 22. From this point, the metal will flow through each of the gates 23 to the horizontally and vertically disposed, independent, interlocking link cavities. Since the cope and drag and the core sections are made lof sand, entrapped air and gas will flow through ,the pores thereof, and also along the parting planes of the molds. The centrifugal force exerted upon the molten metal byI reason of the rotation of the table and the mold will cause the molten metal to be maintained 'fin the mold cavities under substantial pressure, and this pressure will positively force any entrapped bodies of air or gas outwardly through the material of the mold. Thus, the

formation`,of aws is practically impossible.

The close proximity of the annular reservoir 22 to each of the moldcavities, and the free communication from one cavity to another through that reservoir assures that the metal will be under equall pressure in all of the cavities." This reservoir consequently `is luseful not only as a" means for facilitating feeding of the metal to the individual link forming cavities, but also as a meansv -for producing 4uniformity in the finished castings.

The rotation ofthe table and the( mold is continued, and the metal subjected torcontinued centrifugal force until the same has at least `partially cooled and solidified. The contracting and shrinkage forces which are' set up during the cooling of tlie metal' in the mold cavities are entirely. relievedby the supply to'each cavity of additional metal, as needed, from the ring reservoir 22' and the short gates 23. Thus, an unstable chain link having 'the material thereof under the tension of cooling stresses will not be produced by, the method of the present invention.

In order to secure the desired results of the the link cavities, the gates 23, and the reservoir 22. In some cases, it will be found desirable to pour an excess of metal, so as to fill the runners 21 and the pouring basin 20, but in most cases, this willv be unnecessary.

After the metal has at least partially cooled and completely solidified, the rotation of the table is stopped, and the mold broken away from the casting in the usual manner. The soldied metal in the gates and any fins or other imperfections are trimmed of! in the usual manner. The result will be a short length or shot. of centrifugally cast chain having marked advantages from the point of view of uniformityand density of material, great tensile strength, and complete absence from flaws.

In Figure 9, an apparatus is disclosed for casting a plurality of horizontally disposed chain links in interlocking relation to a plurality of previously cast chain links which are positioned in vertical relation in the core cavities. This apparatus is substantially identical to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, and differs therefrom only in that the gates leading from the ring reservoir to the cross studs of the vertically disposed link forming cavities are omitted.

The inner pair of mold cores are shown in Figure 10, and it will be noted that the cores are duplicates of the cores shown in Figure 3, except that the gate 30"is omitted.

Precast chain links are placed in the vertical link cavities 27 of the sets of cores, and the parts assembled as shown in Figure 9. The cope section is put in place, and molten metal will flow by centrifugal force from the central pouring basin 20` through the runners to the ring reservoir 22. and then through the short radial gates 23 tok the horizontally disposed link forming cavities 29. After the molten metal in these cavities has solidified, the rotation of the table will be stopped, and it will be found that the precast links 35 are interlocked with` alternate new, centrifugally cast links.

In Figure 11, an apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to form a plurality .of independent chain links by a centrifugal castingl method. These links may conveniently be used as the precast links required in the ethod of Figure 9. Since no interlocking rela on of link cavities needbe provided in this process, it is unnecessary to use preformed cores, but, on the other hand,

a mold comprising simple cope and drag sections will`sufilce. By means of an appropriate pattern, depressions are formed in the upper surface of the drag section to provide a central pouring basin 20, `outwardly disposed runners 21, an annular reservoir 22, radial gates 23, and link forming mold cavities 29. 293. One or more circumferentially aligned rows of such cavities may be provided, and in Figure 11; twoconcentric rows are disclosed. `It has been found convenient to feed the outermost rows by communication with the inner rows at points adjacent the cross stud formingl cavities.

In the apparatus of Figures 12 to 17, a somewhat diiferent arrangement of mold sections is provided. In this case, the link forming cavities are not formed in core sections adapted-to be positioned between cope and drag mold sections, but, on the other hand, aregformed on adjacent surfaces of preformed mold sections which man be assembled to form`the completemold Preferably, the sections are assembled in sets, each of which lforms one-quarter of the cylindrical Arnold, although they may be assembled to form Lacasse a smaller sector-of the cylinder. The outer pair of mold sections,40, 41 have their horizontal meeting surfaces 'provided with surfaces shaped to form substantially half of one horizontal link 42 and substantially one-quarter of each of two additional horizontal links 43, 44. These links are completed by similarly shaped depressions formed on the horizontal meeting surfaces of an inner pair of mold sections 45, 46. These depressions are disclosed at 47, 48, of Figure 16.

The vertical faces of the inner and outer pair of mold sections which are adapted to be juxtaposed are provided with depressions shaped to form vertically disposed links' in interlocked relation with the horizontal links.. The link forming cavities which make these vertical links are shown at 49, of Figures 15 and 17.

In addition to the link forming cavities described above,l the surfaces of the mold sections are provided with channels which, when the parts are assembled,`form a central pouring basin 5l, runners 52, ring reservoir 53, and radial gates 54 leading to'each link forming cavity.v

In some cases, it has been found desirable to extend each irmer pair of mold sections to the center of the cylindrical mold, and not provide separate central pieces 55 as disclosed in Figures 12 and 13. This is purely a matter of convenience in making and baking the preformedA mold sections, and either form is within the scope of the invention.

` In Figures 18 to 22, a. somewhat modified and considerably simplified form of apparatus is disclosed. Infthis case, a plurality of sets of fourpart mold sections are-circumferentially aligned on the table to form the necessary link cavities, the short gates leading thereto, and the annular reservoir for supplying the cavities with metal. The runners for conveying the metal from a central pour hole to the ring reservoir are made up of a plurality of simple, preformed conduit sections.

The link forming cavities are formed upon the meeting surfaces of outer and inner pairs of mold sections 56, 57, and 58, 59, respectively, in a man` ner similar to that described above. The inner pair of mold sections of each set are provided with channels which may be assembled -to form the annular reservoir. The radial runners leading thereto are formed by channels or grooves in the upper and lower faces, respectively, of blocks 61, and the central pour hole is formed by a twoor three-part hollow plug 62.

This form of the invention presents advantages because] of its simplicity andthe ease with which the mold sections may be assembled. Molten metal will'ilow under the influence of centrifugal Vforce from the central pour hole through the runners to the reservoir 60, and from there throughthe short gates to the interlocking link cavities.

In Figures 23 to 30, another. form of apparatus for casting 'a shot of chain I disclosed, and in this form itis unnecessary te *ape mold sections to form a central pourim buia. radially disposed runners, and a ring resanir. It is only necessary to make a plurality of ik* forming mold sections,

assemble them upon a table. and pour the metal, because the apparatus il rovided with a permanent metal receiving trui* which performs the several functions of tb oedral pouring basin, theradial arms, and the rim reservoir. Secured to the table l0 by bolts n' the like 65 is an upstanding annular member I having a downturned flange 6'1 provided with an outer' face 88 which is adapted to form the inner surface of an will be at "to the Vertical.

Cil

bolts 17, cover plate 16, and an inner set of bolts.

70 extending through the inner pairs of mold sections. i

The radially inner surfaces 7l of the inner mold sections are shaped to cooperatewith the surfacev 68 to form the aforementioned molten metal receiving groove.rv

'I'hedisposition of the grooves upon the meeting surfaces of the mold sections to form interlocking link cavities and inwardly opening gateswill be apparent from a consideration,y of Figures 23 to 27, and Figures 34 to 36, and it 4isf thought unnecessary to give a detailed description thereof.

'I'he form of the apparatus shown in Figures 28 to 30 differs from that of Figures 23 toY 27 principally in the speciflc construction of the mold sections. In the previously described apparatus, the link forming mold cavities are disclosed, re-

- spectively, on horizontal and vertical planes.

Since diiliculty is occasionally encountered in flowing the metal by centrifugal f orce to the Vertical link cavities, and because in some cases.

the pressure resulting from centrifugal force will not be thesame in the vertical and horizontal link cavities, it has been found desirable to dispose all of the link cavities in .planes intersecting the Vertical at an angle i o'f substantially 45. One set of link cavities will be positioned at an angle of 90 with respectito the other set, but both sets Thus, the pressure of the metal in all of the cavities will be uniform,

and theyA will all be fed by centrifugal forcewith equal' facilitity.

The mold sections may conveniently be formed substantially `as disclosed in Figuresx29 and 30. The innermost section '72 has, upon its upper surface 73, a groove or depression 74 which is adapted to form one-half of a quarter vlink cavity. The groove which cooperates with the groove 74 to form the other half of the same quarter link cavity is formed upon -the inner, undersurface of the mold section 75 and is indicated at 76, Figure 29.

Another quarter -of the same link cavity isA `formed by a groove 77 located'upon the outer surface of the bottom mold section 78, and a corresponding groove 79 formed on the undersurface of the outermost mold section 80'. This link forming cavity is completed by similar surfaces formed upon the next adjacent set of mold by channels 81 located on the verticalfaces of the mold sections. One half of'an interlocking link forming cavity is formed by channels located.

trough may bepartially filled before" rotation is commenced. The'molten metal isl forced by centrifugal force outwardly through the gates and.

conducted to the link cavities where it is main- .tained under. pressure until the castings have solidified. As stated above, complete uniformity and density of the individual chain links is a marked advantage ofthe second form.

In Figures 31 and 32, an apparatus is disclosed whichi is adapted to centrifugally cast individual chain links in interlocked relation vto the end links of previously formed shots or lengths of chain. Preferably, the shots of chain are. cast by one or another of the methods outlined above, or' by the methods to be described below, so that when the operation is complete, a long stretch of chain has been formed, each individual link of which has. the advantageous characteristics resulting from a centrifugal casting' operation.

Upon the table 10 a circular plate 85 is secured, and the space thereabove is divided into a plurality of sector shaped compartments by lradially `disposed I-beams 86, appropriately riveted in place. The partition members 86 support an upper platform 87, upon which are mounted the mold sections for casting the new links. 'I'he platform 87 also supports a continuous flask side wall 88 and a plurality of two-part link clamps 89 and 90. Inside of the wall of the flask are a plurality of sectional molds which are separable on horizontal and vertical planes, and which have their meeting surfaces shaped to form vertical-ly disposed cavities adapted to receive precast end links of individual shots of chain. and other surfaces to form horizontally disposed interlocking link cavities. 'Ihe mold sections part upon a horizontal plane 91 and upon vertical planes 92, 93. I

A shot of preformed chain is placed in each Y of the compartments between the table 10 and the platform 87, and the end links thereof are secured in the clamps 89, 90, and held in place by bolts 94. The arrangement is such that the end links 95, 96 .of adjacent shots of chain are positioned next to each other so as to have a new link cast in interlocking relation -to them in horizontal link cavity 97.

After the several shots of chain have been secured in this manner, the machine as a whole is rotated, and the free links of each shot are prevented from flying outwardly under centrifugal force by Ya casing 98 which is spaced outwardly from the open sides of the several compartments. Molten metal under the inuence of centrifugal force flows to the link forming cavities 97 from the ring reservoir 99, and is maintained therein under pressure until the metal has solidified. Thus, a plurality of short lengths of chain are joined together by the method of thev present inthe same characteristics as the prec'ast links. The present invention includes methods of simultaneously casting a plurality of shots of chain f sections. The gate for feeding the sameis formed by centrifugally flowing metal to a plurality of molds arranged for revolution about a vertical laxis in tiers, and it also includes a number of forms of apparatus for carrying out these methods. If desired, a plurality of blooms may be simultaneously cast by assembling appropriately shapedfmolds in tiers upon a rotatable table, to provide a plurality of annular, bloom-forming cavities, one above another. This phase of the invention will now be described.

In Figure 33, a form of apparatus somewhat similar tothe forms of Figures 24 and 29 is'disclosed. A molten metal'rece'iving troughA 69 is formed between theO outer face 67' of an elongated upstanding annular member 66 and the inner faces of a plurality of tiers of mold sections. Each tier is is made up of a plurality of setsof fourpart mold sections which are generally similar to thesections of Figure24. The horizontal and vertical meeting faces ofthe individual units are provided with channels which, when assembled, form horizontal and vertically disposed link forming cavities and gates opening into the trough. One tier is made up of a plurality of cir-v entirely upon the number ofchain lengths which it is desired to cast during one operation. The inner section of the lowermost tier of mold elements is provided with an inwardly extending body portionwhich cooperates with the lower end of annular member 66' to form the bottom of the metal receiving trough. The inner sections of the Vupper tier is also extended inwardly beyond the others, as indicatedat 105, to provide an cverhanging edge to prevent metal from overflowing under influence of centrifugal force.

If it is desired to merely cast a plurality of independent, non-interlocked shots of chain, the individual sets of mold sections in the various tiers may be vertically aligned with one another. On the other hand, if it is desired to connect an end link of each tier with an end linkl of the tier thereabove, it has been found convenient `to stagger the sets from`tier to tier, as indicated diagrammatically in Figure 37. When this is done, certain of the mold sections may be provided with additional grooves and A channels shaped to form interconnecting links extending between two tiers. `As 'a result, a continuous length of chain extending from the top tier through the intermediate tiers and including the bottom one may be cast in a single operation.

In Figures 38 to 41, a similar arrangement is disclosed, but in this case, the large annular pouring trough is not provided, and the molten metal is preferably fed from a central pour hole. The tiers of mold sections are built up in much the same manner, andthe individual elements of the tiers have horizontal and vertical surfaces iaped to provide interlocking link forming cavies. I

Spaced a suitable distance inwardly from the inner faces of the tiers are a plurality of upstanding blocks 106 which form the inner wall of an annular reservoir 107 coextensive in height with Y the tiers. A central pour hole 108 is made by Figure 41, the

inserting in the flask a preformed conduit 109. 'I'his conduit communicates at its lower end with four horizontally disposed runners which are' formed in blocks 111. The runners communi- .cate at their lower ends with the reservoir 107 so that molten metal under the influence of centrifugal force can flow outwardly in the runners and upwardly in the reservoir to each of the gates leading to`the link cavities. Referring to manner in which a vertical end link forming cavity112 may be connected toan end link cavity 113 of the next tier thereabove by an interconnecting link cavity 'is disclosed. The vertical meeting faces of the sections of two vertically aligned sets of mold sections in adjacent tiers are provided with channels or grooves shaped to form a vertical -link with its longer axis extending upwardly. The half of the link cavity 114 shown in elevation in Figure 41 is formed in the vertically aligned faces of eight mold sections, and the other half thereof will be formed in the' corresponding vertically aligned faces which are juxtaposed thereon. Thus, the two' lower tiers of link forming cavities are interlocked by an intermediate link cavity.

The interconnecting link cavity 115 disclosed in Figure 40 for the two upper tiers of link cavities is formed in substantially the same manner. The manner in which the vertical faces of the mold sections are juxtaposed to form this link cavity 115` is shown in Figure 38.

All of the link cavities in this form of the in'- vention are fed by the gates 116 communicating with the annular reservoir.

In Figures 42 to 47 a somewhat modified form of apparatus `is shown for centrifugally casting a plurality of independent, unconnected shots of chain. The mold sections in this case are provided, in addition to the vertical link forming cavities 117 and horizontal link forming cavities 118, and gates 119, with vertical passages 120 The lowermost tier of mold sections is also provided with surfaces shaped to form an annular conduit, or reservoir 121 in communication with each of the risers 120. The sets of mold sections of the various tiers are vertically aligned, and the risers 120 are coextensive'in height with the several tiers. Each riser serves one vertical row of link forming cavities, and is in communication therewith through one vertical row of gates.

In operation, molten metal flows under the influence of centrifugalforce from the pouring basin 122, outwardly through the runners l123 and to the annular conduit or reservoir 121. From this point, the metal, under the influence of centrifugal force, will ow upwardly in the riser conduits and outwardly to the link cavities through the gates communicating therewith.

Figures 48 and 49 disclose an apparatus which is similar to the machina of Figures 42 to 4'7 but differs therefrom in that the mold sections form independent, non-interlocking links. A plurality of tiers of link forming molds are arranged one above the other, and, if desired, a number of circumferentially aligned concentric rows of sections may be provided. 'I'he metal is fed through the runners 124 to the annular reservoir 125, and then upwardly in the independent riser conduits l126. The metal flows from these conduits out- .but it will be understood that the present invention will find usefulness in casting any other ob- `iects. 'I'he drag section 130 of the moldis provided with a plurality of depressions shaped to form the exterior of the lower half of a valve body. 'I'he drag also is provided with a plurality of gates 131, 132 leading to each cavity, and a ring reservoir 133. The cope section v134 has its face shaped to form the upper half of the valve body, and a core member135 may be inserted therein to form the hollow interior of the valve body.

Molten metal maybefed to the ring reservoir by any appropriate means, such as radial `runners 136 communicating at their inner ends with a central pour hole 137.

It will be noted that in each of the embodiments of the invention illustrated, the article formingcavities are arranged in circumferential about the axis thereof. Thus, metal in the mold cavities is subjected to the pressure of centrifugal force resulting from the bodily revolution of the same about the axis of the table. The metal is supplied in all cases to the article forming cavities from an annular reservoir or the like located adjacent thereto by through relatively short gates. Such an 'arrangement of parts makes it possible to perform a new centrifugal casting method, since it facilitats filling the mold cavities and insures that there is always available an adequatesupply of molten metal underV pressure to compensate for cooling shrinkage or the like.

It will be seen that we have disclosed a generic method and apparatus, and a number of species thereof which accomplish the stated objects of the invention and which present marked advantages' over castingmethods and apparatus heretofore known to those skilled in the art.l

We claimz- 1. The method of casting chain which comprises fo'rming an annular body of molten metal, subjecting the same to the influence of centrifugal force and thereby flowing the metal outwardly from said body, conducting said metal along a plurality of independent, substantially radially disposed paths to a plurality of'outwardly disposed, independ nt interlocking link cavities, forcing the meta into said cavities under the influence of said centrifugal force, and subjecting the molten metal in the cavities to the pressure ofcentrifugal force until the same has at least partially cooled and solidifled.

2. The method of casting chain which comprises pouring molten metal andsubjecting the same to centrifugal force and thereby flowing the same into the form of an annular body, subjecting the annular body to the influence of centrifugal force and thereby flowing metal outwardly from said body, conducting said metal along a plurality of independent substantially radially disposed paths to a plurality of outwardly arranged independent, interlocking link cavities, forcing the metal into said cavities under' the influence of lsaid centrifugal force and subjecting the molten metal in the'cavities to the pressure of centrifugal force until the same has at least partially cooled and solidified.

3. The method of casting which comprises subjecting an annular body of molten metal to centrifugal force and thereby flowing the metal from said annular body `to a plurality of mold cavities arranged in circumferential alignment, concentric to said body, subjecting the molten metal to the pressure of centrifugal force in said cavities, equalizing the pressure of the molten metal in each; of said cavities by the free communication from one to another through said annular body of molten metal, and cooling and solidifying the metal in said cavities while under such equalized pressure.

4. The method of casting which comprises sub.- jecting an annular body of molten metal to centrifugal force and thereby flowing the metal from said annular body to a plurality of independent mold cavities arranged circumferentially thereof,

subjecting the molten metal in said cavities to the pressure of centrifugal force, cooling and solidifyingl the metal in said cavities while under such pressure, and compensating for cooling shrinkage of said metal in said cavities by supplying additional metal from said annular body under the influence of centrifugal force, whereby communication Y a plurality of uniform, dense castings are produced. l

5. `The method of simultaneously casting a v`plurality of interlocked chain links to form a shot of chain, which comprises assembling a plurality of mold sections to/form substantially closed, independent, interlocked link cavities in circumferential alignment about the axis of a rotatable table, providing on said table inwardly of said mold sections an annularv trough and a plurality of radial gates leading therefrom to said link cavities, rotating said table, pouring molten metal into said trough, flowing the metal through said gates and into said cavities by the centrifugal force of rotation of said table, continuing said centrifugal force, and solidifying the metal in said cavities under the pressure resulting from said continued centrifugal force, whereby to produces. plurality of dense, compact castings.

6. The method of casting chain which comprises providing a table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, assembling a plurality of mold sections on said table to form an axial pouring basin, a plurality of substantially radially extending runners leading from said basin to an.

annular lreservoir concentric to `said basin, a plurality of link mold cavities arranged in circumferential alignmentvconcentric to said axis, and a plurality of short gates from said` reservoir to said cavities; rotating said table and the mold sections assembled thereon, pouring molten metal into said basin, flowing the same through said radial runners to said annular reservoir,` flowing said metal by centrifugal force from said reserl voir through said gates to said link cavities, `and solidifying the metal in` said cavities while maintaining the same under the pressure of centrifugal frce.

7. The method of casting chain, which comprises forming a plurality of mold sections with surfaces adapted, when thesections are assembled, vto provide a set of horizontal link cavities and a set'of vertical link cavitiesr interlocked therewith, an annular reservoir, and gates leading therefrom to the horizontal link cavities, partially assembling said sections, inserting precastl links in thevertical link cavities; completing the assembly of the sections, substantially filling said reservoir with molten `metal; flowing the same to the horizontal link cavities; and maintaining said molten metal therein under the pressure of centrifugal force until said metal has solidified, whereby dense compact links are cast. in interlocked relation to said precast links.

8. The method of casting chain which comprises forming a plurality of mold sections with surfaces yadapted when theA sections are assembled to provide two sets of link cavities lying in planes disposed at right angles to each other and at 45 angles to a vertical plane, and gates leading to said cavities; assembling said sections in circumferential alignment upon a rotatable table with said gatesleading from an annular, inwardly disposed reservoir outwardly to the innermost portion of each of said link cavities;

I rotating said table; pouring molten metal to said plurality of circumferentially aligned article forming cavities, an annular reservoir disposed radially inwardly 'of said cavities, and a`plurality of gates therebetween, flowing molten metal into said reservoir and subjecting the same to centrifugal force, flowing the metal from the reservoir through the gates to the article forming cavities by said centrifugal force, continuing the centrifugal force to, maintain the metal in the cavities under pressure until the same has solidified and partially cooled, whereby a plurality of dense compact castings are produced.

10, The method of casting chain which 'comprises assembling upon a circular rotatable table,- an annular set of preformed mold sections to provide a circular row of interlocking link cavii ties disposed in horizontal alignment around the table in concentric relation to the axis thereof,

and an inwardly opening gate for each cavity, assembling another similar set of mold sections above vthe first set, pouring molten metal into Vthe form of anannular body radially inwardly ofthe linkcavities and subjecting said metal tov centrifugal. force by rotation of said table, nowing the metal from said annular body by centrifugal force to said gates and into said rows of mold cavities, and maintaining the metal therein under the pressure of centrifugal force until thesame has partially cooled and solidified, whereby two lengths of interlocking chain links are simultaneously cast in 'said two rows of cavities.

11. 'I'he method of casting a chain which com'- prises assembling upon 'a rotatable table, an

, annular set of preformed mold sections to provide a circular row of interlocking link cavities disposed in horizontal alignment around the' table in concentric relation to the axis thereof' and lan inwardly opening gate for each cavity, assembling a plurality of similar sets of mold sections in tiers upon the first set and providing an interlocking link cavity connecting one cavity of each tier with an adjacent cavity of the next tier thereabove, pouring molten metal into the -form of an annular body radially inwardly of the` link cavities and subjecting said metal to centrifugal force by rotation of said table, flowing the metal from said annular body by centrifugal force to said gates and into said tiers of link cavities -and the cavities connecting said tiers, vand maintainingl the metal therein under the pressure of centrifugal force until the same has partially cooled and solidified, whereby a continuous length" of interlocking chain links extending -from the lowermcst to the uppermost tier is simultaneously cast.

12. The method of casting relatively long lengths of chain whichcomprises casting a plurality of shots of chain, assembling the same upon a rotatable support with adjacent end links of different shots. inserted in a link mold having a link cavity surrounding said precast end links, rotating the supportsthe shots of chain and the mold, and centrifugally casting a new link connecting adjacent end links of the previously cast shots of chain.

13. A centrifugal casting. apparatus comprising a table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, and a plurality of mold sections secured thereon in concentric relation to said axis, said mold sections having surfaces formed, when assembled, to provide an annular reservoir concentric to the axis of rotation of said table, a

plurality of radial gates leading outwardly from said reservoir, and a plurality of articles forming cavities communicating with the outer ends of said gates, whereby rotation of said table and the mold will cause molten metal in said annular reservoir to flow under centrifugal force therefrom to said mold cavities.

14. A centrifugal casting apparatus comprising a table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, and a plurality of mold sections secured thereon in concentric relation to said axis, said mold sections having -surfaces formed, when assembled, to provide an axial pouring basin, outwardly extending runners leading therefrom, an annular reservoir at the outer ends of said runners concentric to the axis of rotation of said tables, a plurality of radial gates leading outwardly from said reservoir, and a plurality of article forming cavities communicating with the outer ends of said gates, whereby rotation of said table and the mold will cause molten metal in said reservoir to flow under the centrifugal force from said annular reservoir to said mold cavities.

15. A centrifugal chain casting apparatus comprising av table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of mold sections, and means for securing the latter upon said table, said mold sections having surfaces shaped, when assembled, to provide a plurality 'of 4circumferentially aligned, independent link cavities, gates leading to the cavities, and an annular reservoir for molten metal disposed radially inwardly of said cavities and in free communication therewith through said gates, whereby molten metal in .said reservoir will flow from` said reservoir to said cavities under the influence of centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the table, the metal remaining in said reservoir serving to compensate i'or shrinkage during cooling of the castings;

16. A centrifugal chain casting apparatus comprising a table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, a plurality of mold sections and cores, and means for securing the latter upon said table, said. mold sections and cores having surfaces shaped, when assembled, to provide a plurality of circumferentially aligned, independent, interlocking, horizontally and vertically disposed link cavities, gates leading to the cavities, and an annular reservoir for molten metal disposed inwardly of and communicating with said cavities through said gates-whereby molten metal in said reservoir may flow directly to said cavities under the iniiuence of centrifugal 'force resulting from rotation of the table, and may serve to compensate for shrinkage during cooling ofthe castings.

17. A centrifugal chain casting apparatus comprising a table mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. cope and drag mold sections including aplurality of cores, and means for securing the same upon said table, said cope and drag sections having surfaces shaped to form an annular reservoir disposed in concentric relation to said table, and short radial gates extendingloutwardly from the reservoir to a plurality of interlocking horizontally and vertically disposed link cavities,` said horizontally disposed link cavities being formed partially by surfaces in said copeand drag sections and partially by surfaces in saidcores, and said vertically disposed cavities being formed entirely by surfaces-in said cores. 

